Anon @2:49 It isn't a matter of being a hater. It is a valid question. In the U.S. I don't believe someone with zero dental training would be allowed to perform medical or dental procedures. It is a natural quest for people to ask and in no way means they are haters.

I am a doctor. Years ago, when I started medical school, several classmates had gone on mission trips or volunteer trips and were allowed to do all kinds of dentistry and medical things that a 19-year-old would never be legally allowed to do in Canada or the USA. Their parents were wealthy & could afford to send them on these trips and it looked great on their applications. In Africa and Asia, anything goes.

Ok, you KNOW you're going to get questions on this one....WHY IS Nathan Bates acting as a dental assistant/hygienist OR dentist with that child? What is he doing in her mouth? We all know he has absolutely NO dental training or diploma. I don't get it. Will someone please explain why that is OK?

No one ever said that Nathan had no trainig. A lot of missionaries take emergency medicine courses before going out on the field. Which allows them to perform a great variety of simple medical procedures like treating cavities, infections or even pulling teeth. There will be places where no doctor is available, so whatever knowledge or training you have got is very much appreciated. While it is absolutely true his training probably would not be sufficient in the States it is not so in a lot of other countries.

If he is pulling the tooth of that young child has he administered a local anesthetic first and if so where did he receive his training to do so? Not asking in hate, nurse here who has trained and has to keep her training up to stay registered, I dont have any objections to helping out if you have basic training but not to carry out procedures. A bit more description under the photograph is needed to explain what exactly is happening.

That's awesome! I just send a "love box" down to the phillipians! Full of food,candy, clothes, shoes, and all the essentials! It felt so good to send that, I can I mag in hoe the bates kiddos felt actually being there!!!

I'm not a medical professional, but I know many people who have been on medical missions trips. Most developing countries have much less strict rules than developed countries. When you're in a place where people are dying from minor medical issues like rotten teeth, someone with a small bit of knowledge can do a lot of good. I also remember reading on this blog that Nathan has some medical training and has worked with the volunteer fire department.